Maine Forest Yurts campground is a private, year round 100 acre pond-side retreat which is located on Runaround Pond in Durham, Maine. Overnight guests can choose to stay in a fully furnished yurt or they can bring their own tent. Some of the outdoor activities that guests can take part in include hiking, mountain biking, boating, fishing, cross country skiing, snowshoeing and ice skating. The property is also a venue for corporate and group retreats where participants can work on team building and survival activities.

Maine Forest Yurts is owned by Bob and Peggy Crowley. The Crowleys have focused on being eco-friendly and low impact to the land as they develop their property. An interesting fact about Bob Crowley is that in 2008 he went on the reality show Survivor: Gabon and 39 days later he was voted the oldest winner, and first teacher, to win in the show’s history. He also won the ‘Sprint Survivor of the Season’ in which the fans vote for their favorite player. His knack for the outdoors and his survival skills allowed him to comfortably play the game of Survivor.

After Bob retired from teaching high school physics for 25 years, the Crowley family started Maine Forest Yurts, which offers individuals, couples, families and corporate groups an eco-friendly, camping experience where guests can connect with nature in the Maine outdoors. This year the Crowleys completed their first of six planned Pacific Yurts. They found the 24 foot yurt, which they call Fisher Ridge Yurt, very easy to set up and the directions easy to follow. The yurt is placed on a hardwood floor, has 2 sturdy hand built bunk beds, a futon, woodstove, BBQ grill and a full kitchen that includes a 4 burner gas stove and oven. The yurt comfortably sleeps 6 people and has an adjacent building with composting toilet.

Despite only being 1/2 hour from the city of Portland, the pond and surrounding area has a feeling of total isolation and wilderness. Runaround Pond is composed of two shallow, river-like tributaries approximately 2.5 miles long. This quiet pond is perfect for a peaceful paddle in a canoe where you can view wildlife including beaver, otter, osprey, kingfishers, herons, turtles, bass and pickerel. During the winter, the pond makes for great ice skating and cross country skiing.

The property is 5 minutes from Bradbury Mountain State Park, 15 minutes from Pineland Farms Outdoor Center, 15 minutes from Freeport and 30 minutes from Portland.

“The Crowley Family is thrilled with our first yurt and are looking forward to having 5 more Pacific Yurts.” – Peggy Crowley